Cats love Vaseline.
They offer it to themselves spontaneously because it seems soothing to their skin. Maybe your feline feels it moisturizes her skin.
Or perhaps it influences her behavior somehow. You will never know until you try.
So, why do cats like vaseline? People used to put Vaseline on their cats’ paws and ears to prevent and heal skin ailments.
Cats would lick it off and ingest it by accident so veterinarians started recommending Vaseline for skin infections and wounds. Vaseline is safe for ingestion for cats as long as it is latex free.
Contents
- 1 Why Do Cats Like Vaseline?
- 2 Is Vaseline Safe For Cats Ears?
- 3 Is Vaseline Safe For Cats Eyes?
- 4 Is Vaseline Ok For Cats To Lick?
- 5 What Happens If A Cat Eats Vaseline?
- 6 How To Give Your Cat Vaseline?
- 7 How Much Vaseline To Give A Cat For Hairballs?
- 8 How Often Should I Give My Cat Vaseline For Hairballs?
- 9 Conclusion
Why Do Cats Like Vaseline?
Vaseline is eaten by cats because the aroma and texture appeal to them, but it may also impart a therapeutic value to their skin and coat.
Petroleum jelly or petroleum jelly is a thick, white substance used for a variety of cosmetic purposes, including moisturizing the skin and protecting it from rashes and irritations.
It is derived from the petroleum or crude oil which comes from the naturally occurring liquid mixture of hydrocarbon liquids and a liquid mixture of hydrocarbon gases.
It is used in the manufacturing of hundreds of products including textiles, paper, food, perfumes and cosmetics.
They like the creamy texture because it helps them move their lips and tongue around and around so they can ingest it.
Is Vaseline Safe For Cats Ears?
Any mature ear mites that have fallen off the cat within 24 hours of treatment are dead and no longer capable of breeding.
Vaseline may also be used on cats with painful ear infections.
Vaseline also offers good protection for cats from wind and cold, and it can help repel insects too, so is sometimes used in topical repellents for cats.
Cat mites may make you feel they are everywhere, but if your cat enjoys licking his fur, then it’s likely there are other places in your house where cat mites are hiding.
Cat mites may cause your cats to itch and scratch their ears and other parts of their bodies, which can be annoying for both you and your pet.
If so, then it may be time to examine your pet’s ears and check for any symptoms of ear mites or an ear infection.
When a cat has ear mites or an ear infection, the ear can become red and inflamed, smell bad and the cat may shake his head.
Is Vaseline Safe For Cats Eyes?
The first step in diagnosing and treating eye infections is to examine your cat thoroughly in order to identify the cause of her eye redness or other discomfort.
This will assist if your animal is diagnosed with an eye infection that is treatable with antibiotic eye ointments.
To gently wash your cat’s eyes, use soft, clean hands or a baby washcloth or cotton ball to gently wash around its eyes a few times a day.
It may be tough to keep the cotton from touching your cat’s eye itself or squeezing the eye itself unless your hands are very gentle, so make sure not to squeeze or rub the cotton ball around inside of.
Use a separate cotton ball or washcloth for each eye or rinse your washcloth or cotton ball in warm water between eye washes to avoid spreading infection from one eye to the other.
Is Vaseline Ok For Cats To Lick?
Vaseline should not be administered to kittens or puppies.
They may want to lick, chew or ingest it, which may lead to severe health issues.
Vaseline is also not meant to be ingested by adults or older children because it may cause health problems in humans.
Cats sometimes get bumps on their eyes that are easy to take care of at home if you know what to do and what not to do.
Constipation occurs often in cats and can be potentially fatal if left untreated.
Constipated mice have a hard time defecating, which can block the colon and lead to serious complications or even death.
What Happens If A Cat Eats Vaseline?
Vaseline goes through your cat’s digestive system the same way it goes through your own.
Because the acids do not break Vaseline oil down, it passes through the intestines without dissolving and GI distress does not occur.
This lubricates the passageways and makes it easier for your cat to poop.
It will mix with and pick off the fur stuck on her face and eyes, helping to wash her eyes more thoroughly and providing relief.
The cat will eventually lick the lotion off her face and attempt to oust it from her mouth.
Fortunately for you, it won’t leave her feeling like she’s swallowed poison and she won’t experience any ill effects from it.
Vaseline that has been spread out will dry out and harden to a very sticky consistency if it is exposed to air for too long.
Unfortunately, it may also cause constipation in cats because it is thick, hard and difficult to pass through their digestive systems.
How To Give Your Cat Vaseline?
When it comes to preventing cats from licking themselves raw or pawing at the scabs on their paws, Vaseline can help.
Vaseline is an oily substance that will help to moisturize cat skin and protect it from drying and cracking.
A little dab on their paw pads and between their toes will soften the skin and prevent it from cracking and bleeding when cats are walking or trying to scratch themselves.
It will so aid hairball formation as well by coating and protecting the hairballs that your cat swallows and preventing them from becoming compacted or drying out and getting stuck in her throat.
Also Read: Can Cats Eat Egg Whites?
How Much Vaseline To Give A Cat For Hairballs?
For hairball management, you should give your cat one teaspoon of Vaseline daily.
Vaseline is an oily liquid so it will melt easily if added to warm food or sprinkled onto its wet food.
A little dab on their paw pads and between their toes will soften the skin and prevent it from cracking and bleeding when cats are walking or trying to scratch themselves.
It will so aid hairball formation as well by coating and protecting the hairballs that your cat swallows and preventing them from becoming compacted or drying out and getting stuck in her throat.
How Often Should I Give My Cat Vaseline For Hairballs?
Vaseline should not be given on a routine basis, but should be given when the need arises or when you have observed significant hair loss and excess licking in your cat’s coat.
If you give Vaseline regularly to your cat, then you may find that it forms a thick layer in your cat’s stomach and under her skin.
Many owners do not even realize that they are giving Vaseline to their cats on a constant basis because Vaseline is often found in the skin lotions that people use on their cats.
Conclusion
Consult a veterinarian if you’re concerned about your cat suffering from hair loss and excessive hairball formation or if she seems to be constantly licking her body or skin in a specific area.
Alternatively, you could take your cats to see an experienced animal practitioner if you suspect any illness.